Practical Guide to Toddler Parenting

Realistic, expert-tested guidance to raise caring, capable toddlers without yelling, shaming, or giving in

The toddler years bring big feelings, rapid growth, and endless discoveries—for kids and parents alike. With so much change happening at once, everyday routines can easily devolve into meltdowns and power struggles. Parenting expert Zoe Chiel, PhD—a licensed psychologist and mother of three—understands the joys and challenges of raising young children ages 2 to 5. Drawing on both clinical expertise and real-life experience, she offers compassionate, practical tools to help busy parents stay connected and confident through it all.

Grounded in research on the authoritative parenting style (sometimes described as positive, gentle, or respectful parenting), Practical Guide to Toddler Parenting teaches parents how to balance pair warmth and connection with clear, consistent boundaries—even on days when patience feels hard to come by.

• Reassuring explanations for toddler behaviors that make it easier to set realistic, developmentally appropriate expectations
• Customizable strategies and sample scripts that promote clearer communication and positive behavior change
• Effective parenting approaches for spirited toddlers who test boundaries, throw tantrums, and struggle with transitions or tough moments
• Scenario-based solutions for everyday challenges like picky eating and bedtime battles, with modification tips to fit your family’s values

“As a pediatrician, educator, and mother of three very different, strong-willed kids, I've learned to be skeptical of parenting books—too dense, too narrow, not grounded in evidence, too specific to one kid and not another. But this is the one I wish I'd had years ago. Dr. Chiel delivers evidence-based principles through stories and examples that resonate across kids. Finally, a parenting book that honors both the science and chaos of raising healthy, well-adjusted children by validating the challenges and giving grace for the mess.”
—Ariel Winn, MD, attending physician in hospital medicine at Boston Children’s Hospital and assistant professor of pediatrics at Harvard Medical School

“In Practical Guide to Toddler Parenting, Zoe Chiel offers a clear, research-based resource that parents will actually use. Dr. Chiel provides practical, easy-to-implement strategies from page 1 and delivers them in a validating, empathetic voice that fits seamlessly into the chaos of parenting a toddler. Her focus on skills to help parents regulate themselves—while emphasizing loving limits—and strategies that promote long-term resilience will be an asset to any household.”
—Regine Galanti, PhD, director of Long Island Behavioral Psychology, author of Parenting Anxious Kids, When Harley Has Anxiety, and Anxiety Relief for Teens

“Dr. Zoe Chiel’s book, Practical Guide to Toddler Parenting, is packed with evidence-based and clinically specific guidance for parents of children ages 2 to 5. I particularly liked the list of challenging behaviors with possible causes and suggestions for how to handle each one. There’s specific, easily applied guidance for calming oneself down while modeling for the child how to name and cope with negative emotions. Inclusive language and realistic examples mean parents in any context (traditional, two households, fostering) will feel that the author is talking to them. This short, practical guide has useful information for every parent.”
—Marla Brassard, PhD, licensed psychologist, professor emerita of psychology and education, Teachers College, Columbia University, and coauthor of Preschool Assessment: Principles and Practices

“In my clinical practice, I meet many people who feel overwhelmed by parenting advice. Whether it’s from social media, the news, or well-meaning friends and family, conflicting perspectives and intense scrutiny often leave parents feeling stressed, anxious, and unsure about what’s best for their family. That is why I highly recommend Practical Guide to Toddler Parenting by Zoe Chiel, PhD. Over the years, I have learned that most parents seek practical, research-based tools they can confidently apply in their day-to-day parenting. Dr. Chiel’s straightforward and empowering approach makes it easy for parents to implement strategies in their home. If you are looking for a developmentally appropriate parenting resource, I highly recommend this book. I can’t wait to share Dr. Chiel’s book with the families I work with.”
—Dr. Tasha Brown, licensed clinical psychologist, director and founder of TMB Psychological Services, certified PCIT therapist and trainer, and host of Notes from a Child Psychologist podcastZoe Chiel, PhD, is a licensed psychologist who specializes in providing clinical care to children and parents. With a deep commitment to supporting families, Dr. Chiel helps caregivers navigate the challenges of parenting and child development by implementing research-backed strategies that foster warm, loving parent-child relationships and developmentally appropriate boundaries. Her work bridges science and everyday life, translating evidence-based practices into practical tools that fit into families’ busy routines and align with their unique values. Dr. Chiel lives in Connecticut with her husband and their three children.